UP Graduates in the AI Age: Edge, Intelligence, and Challenges

🕓 Last Updated: July 10, 2025, 3:46 am (PH time)

In an age where machines can mimic intelligence, the true brilliance of a UP graduate lies not in knowing more—but in questioning better, adapting faster, and standing firm where humanity still matters.

Regel Javines, Founder & Editor | The Philippine Pundit

This feature article provides a deep dive into whether the UP graduates still lead in the Philippines’ AI-driven job market. It provokes critical thinking on AI preparedness, intelligence, and the biggest career obstacles. Moreover, this feature does not seek to single out UP graduates, but rather to reflect on a timely and significant development that the University of the Philippines has produced an unprecedented number of Latin honor graduates this year—a milestone that invites deeper public reflection on excellence, preparedness, and relevance in the age of AI.

Introduction

We aren’t caught off-guard, are we? Yes, we can’t say we weren’t warned. The signs of artificial intelligence (AI) domination have long signaled our arrival at this critical juncture—an age not just shaped by AI, but defined by how we choose to live with it. Now, as the AI revolution reshapes labor markets and tertiary education, the reputation of University of the Philippines (UP) graduates is being re-examined or reevaluated through the lens of the following features that explore four critical angles:

• Do UP graduates still hold an edge over other Philippine university alumni?
• Do they have genuine bragging rights in today’s AI-driven world?
• Are they truly among the smartest?
• What is their greatest challenge in the AI era?

The University of the Philippines (UP) has long been revered as the academic crown jewel of the nation, home to the country’s “best and brightest,” so to speak. With its stringent admission process, world-class faculty, and a strong legacy in public service and activism, being a UP graduate has historically been synonymous with, at the very least, excellence.

However, in the AI age—where machine learning models can write essays, code programs, and analyze data better and faster than most fresh graduates—the value and edge of a UP degree come into stark question or even doubts. Just as workplaces evolve and automation redefines job requirements, can UP graduates still be considered the most equipped for the future?

This feature seeks to provide a deep and critical look at four pressing questions and doubts facing UP graduates in the AI era.

I. Do UP graduates still have an edge over other PH graduates?

Data and Job Market Context and Competitor Comparison

While the advancing technology has trimmed entry-level roles globally (new-grad hiring dropped ~50% since 2019), local recruiters still often prioritize UP, valuing its blend of academic rigor and public-service ethos. Furthermore, Reddit threads echo this, noting UP’s stronger internship and exchange opportunities across industries.

While it is imperative to consider thinking about other schools are stepping up, UP’s extensive alumni network and state-funded resources, however, may be expected to provide its students more access to research, leadership, and public programs, which is critical during rapid technological shifts.

Relevantly, considering that even nowadays, UP’s prestige remains a powerful force. In industries where analytical thinking, policy development, public service, and research are paramount, UP graduates are generally still among the top choices of employers.

However, according to a 2023 JobStreet by SEEK report, UP was ranked among the top preferred universities by Philippine employers, with 9.17% of companies naming it as their top school for hiring, second only to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), which led with 23.39% (ASEAN Tribune, 2023).

Furthermore, the edge is narrowing. Other top-tier schools such as Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and even fast-rising tech-focused schools like Mapúa University and FEU Tech have tailored their curricula to include job-ready programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics. In contrast, UP’s general education and liberal arts framework, while holistic, can sometimes lag in practical application, which can also be the weakness of some, if not all, top-tier schools in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, in the private sector—especially in startups and tech firms—the name of the school matters less than demonstrated skills. For instance, companies now look for portfolio work, certifications (such as Google Career Certificates or Microsoft AI Fundamentals), and internship experiences that showcase hands-on ability over theoretical knowledge. Arguably, many fresh UP graduates, though intellectually capable, often struggle to adapt immediately to industry tools and workflows due to this gap.

Regardless, the government and NGOs may still see UP graduates as preferred hires for policy, social research, and communication roles. Yet in business and engineering fields, the advantage is context-dependent. Thus, UP grads have an edge, but only when they supplement their degrees with technical competence and practical experience.

II. Is there still something to boast about being UP graduates in the age of AI?

Institutional Readiness and National Relevance

There is no greater imperative than aligning our education system with the breakneck pace of technological advancement. Philosophically speaking, to educate meaningfully in this era is to keep pace, not just with knowledge, but with the velocity of change itself. And there can be no less standardizing than keeping the system of education up with the rapid march of technology.

As it is worth pondering, UP’s “Principles for Responsible AI” initiative shows proactive partnerships with other universities and research groups. Furthermore, surveys said that on-campus trials demonstrated that AI-enhanced learning led to measurable gains in student outcomes. Moreover, amid booming PH tech (~US$9.4 b by 2024), UP’s AI frameworks position its graduates as “AI-literate citizens” rather than just AI users.

Then, here we come to this insight that while being UP graduates still carries weight, in an AI-driven world, that weight is becoming more philosophical than functional. Graduates can boast of a legacy, that is, a sense of mission, nation-building, and critical inquiry that no algorithm can replicate.

As a generational fact, UP instills values that produce leaders, advocates, and thinkers—traits needed more than ever in an age where technology threatens ethical boundaries and human agency.

Furthermore, UP has also begun responding to the AI challenge. In 2023, UP System launched its Principles for Responsible Artificial Intelligence and began integrating AI-focused electives—like massive open online courses (MOOCs), AI minors, and a straight PhD program in AI—across disciplines such as computer science, economics, and journalism. In addition, some campuses, like UP Diliman and UP Cebu, have begun forging partnerships with tech firms to allow students to explore AI for development applications.

However, these initiatives are in early stages. Like for example, when comparing UP to institutions abroad that now offer AI majors, immersive labs, and hybrid degree programs, the former’s efforts are moderate. Thus, what UP graduates can genuinely boast of today is their potential to ask better questions and lead responsibly in tech-enhanced environments, not necessarily their tech fluency or AI proficiency.

In essence, when looking through the lens of UP’s boastworthiness in the AI age lies in producing graduates who can critically evaluate and ethically steer technological change, not just participate in it. This is a legitimate challenge to every UP iskolar ng bayan!

III. Are UP graduates truly smart in today’s standards?

What Is “Intelligence” Now? and Skill-Based Hiring Trends

Perspectively, this is both a philosophical and pragmatic question. Traditional intelligence—measured by grades, verbal articulation, and exam results—still defines much of UP’s academic culture. But in today’s knowledge economy, intelligence has morphed into something broader, that is, it includes emotional intelligence, resilience, digital adaptability, and cross-functional problem-solving. Of course, selectively, some UP grads may have it.

Congruently, beyond grades, modern intelligence includes adaptability, digital fluency, soft skills, and an ethical mindset. UP continues to nurture critical thinkers, but must deepen practical, tech-driven competencies. Pragmatically, data shows degrees are less important than skills; AI roles now favor demonstrable ability over formal accolades. That suggests, ultimately, UP must pivot toward skill-based training, such as internships, MOOCs, and certifications.

Generally, many UP graduates are still intellectually sharp. They can analyze policy, write with depth, and articulate arguments persuasively. However, employers increasingly look for cognitive agility. That is, they look for someone who can learn fast, unlearn habits, and adapt to technological disruptions. In this regard, UP grads may have strengths in learning theory but gaps in applied tech. Well, this is sometimes true.

Moreover, the AI age requires a new kind of intelligence—the so-called collaboration with machine intelligence. Being smart now practically includes knowing how to prompt AI tools effectively, troubleshoot digital systems, and manage workflows that involve humans and algorithms. Unfortunately, many UP courses still treat AI as a subject to be studied, not a tool to be mastered, generally speaking.

Hence, the answer is nuanced. UP grads are smart, but not always in the ways the job market currently demands. Their potential remains high, but their relevance depends on how they adapt their traditional intelligence to modern demands.

IV. What is the biggest challenge for UP graduates in today’s AI-driven society?

The Skills-Experience Catch-22: Academic vs. Industry Fit

Philosophically, the Catch-22 paradox is a situation where you’re stuck because of contradictory rules or conditions that you can’t win either way. The idea connects with existentialism, absurdism (à la Albert Camus), and critical theory, all of which explore how the likes of us or individuals are trapped in systems beyond our or their control.

Historically, the paradox comes from the novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, where a World War II bomber pilot wants to stop flying dangerous missions. However, the military rule says he can be excused only if he’s insane. But if he asks to be excused, that means he’s sane—because only a sane person would try to avoid danger. Therefore, he can’t escape either way. Simply put, you’re trapped by rules that cancel each other out. And to take an example for UP grads, they need experience to get a job, but they need a job to get experience—voila, that’s a Catch-22, folks!

Relevantly, global trends show sharp decline in entry-level roles; employers lean toward experienced hires even for junior slots. And even with AI initiatives, UP may have still emphasized theory over application, risking a gap in workplace readiness. Additionally, graduates face displacement risks as AI replaces routine roles; they must now specialize or adapt to hybrid roles requiring AI-human collaboration. Consequently, the pressure to “live up to UP’s reputation” in a shrinking job market can lead to stress, imposter syndrome, and underemployment.

Integrated Analysis and Recommendations

The greatest hurdle for UP graduates today is the convergence of three dilemmas:

• Theoretical Strength vs. Practical Weakness — UP’s curriculum may still have leaned heavily on theory. While this produces strong thinkers, it doesn’t always yield job-ready practitioners, especially in high-demand tech fields.
• Reputation Pressure vs. Reality Check — Many UP graduates struggle with impostor syndrome when entering a workforce that doesn’t automatically value academic pedigree. I have known one or two workplace colleagues as examples based on personal assessment. The pressure to succeed because they are “Iskolar ng Bayan” can be crushing when confronted with job rejections or low starting salaries.
• Automation Anxiety — With AI tools replacing routine writing, coding, and analytical tasks, graduates must now prove value through creativity, ethics, and complex judgment—areas where machines still falter. But this requires upskilling that UP doesn’t consistently provide across disciplines.

Furthermore, there is a disconnect between activism and adaptation. UP’s activism culture is admirable and necessary, but some critics argue that it doesn’t always translate into practical reform or entrepreneurship skills, which are now apparently or pragmatically required to thrive in a disruptive economy.

Ultimately, the biggest challenge is staying relevant. To remain competitive, UP graduates must move beyond traditional excellence and embrace interdisciplinary learning, digital fluency, and lifelong adaptability.

Infographic: Challenges Facing UP Graduates in the AI Age

Conclusion

Arguably, yes. UP grads still hold a strong foundation, a respected network, and institutional momentum in AI, but not without caveats. To stay on top, so to speak, they must translate pedigree into practical skills, AI collaboration, and adaptive resilience. As theory meets tech, UP must evolve—or risk its “best and brightest” becoming just another tagline. Like a story or a tale stripped of meaning—told and retold, yet never truly lived.

In more straightforward words, the UP diploma is still a badge of honor. But in the AI age, if you ask? Honor alone does not guarantee what is generally expected opportunity. UP graduates must rethink what it means to be “the best and brightest” in a world where intelligence is shared with machines. They should even pause for a while and think about this: If UP can reform its systems to better integrate AI and digital-era demands, and if its graduates evolve their skills without losing their soul, then yes—they can still be the nation’s north star. Not just for being smart, but for being smart and humane in an increasingly automated world. ▲

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💬 AI Use Disclosure: This is an AI technology-assisted article (ChatGPT, OpenAI). 👉 Learn more about our use of AI.

Regel Javines

Regel Javines is the founder/editor-publisher of The Philippine Pundit. Born in Leyte and raised by struggle, he writes truth from the margins. His work explores the intersections of politics, spirituality, and life’s deeper questions. Blogging since 2011, Regel has contributed incisive political analysis to global citizen journalism platforms, giving voice to stories often left unheard. Currently, he works as a consultant for the Congressional Assistance, Response, and Education (CARE) Program of the House of Representatives of the Philippines.

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